One week before the national celebrations begin, the Dhinawan Yuliji dancers gave a traditional performance to a crowded hall before a stage three choir sang in Gamilaraay.

Principal Debbie Baker spoke on the significance of the Our Languages Matter theme. 

“When Europeans first came to Australia, they think there were about 250 language groups, and today, to think that there are only about 120 of those is very sad,” she said.

“We acknowledge that this loss is a huge loss to all our communities, and we hope that through our youth and education we can have a healing for the past and a hope for the future that includes a strengthening of Aboriginal language.”

Kye Foster, Kyle Dodd and Khijah Moore played didgeridoo as the flags were raised by Lachlan Hasselman, Nathan Patterson and Joey Imber.

The assembly followed a school visit by local rugby league star Bevan French and the beginning of the Sapphire Community and District Schools NAIDOC Week Art competition at the Inverell library last week.

For a full NAIDOC activity guide for Inverell and surrounding areas, click here.